The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry has decided to develop a genetically modified rice aimed at alleviating symptoms of hay fever as a drug because the health ministry has determined that the rice falls into the category of a medical product. The ministry had initially aimed to put the rice on the market as a food product, but had to abandon the development of the rice as a food due to the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry’s decision. As it takes longer for medical products to be officially authorized, the plan to put the rice on the market will be greatly delayed.